Ray Charles the Businessman

The Ray Charles Symposium

Panels and Workshops

Session 2b: Ray Charles the Businessman

Friday, September 21 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. 1W

Session Description:Ray Charles was not only a genius in all things musical, but was very gifted in managing his business affairs. Charles moved from Atlantic Records to ABC Paramount because he was able to get a 75% royalty rate as well as eventual ownership of the masters of his recordings. No other artist in America, black or white, was able to negotiate such a deal. Tony Gumina, Daryl Stewart, and Ivan Hoffman will give us an expanded picture of Charles's business acumen.